Public Radio International® signs actor, writer Stephen Tobolowsky to create new storytelling series for radio

PRI, a leading public media producer and distributor of radio and digital content, has begun production on "The Tobolowsky Files," a series of specials featuring profound, moving, and hilarious true stories about life, love and Hollywood, written and performed by character actor Stephen Tobolowsky.

"The Tobolowsky Files" started as a popular podcast produced by Film's David Chen and Stephen Tobolowsky. Melinda Ward, PRI's Senior Vice President of Content, became a fan of the podcast and thought it would make a great public radio show.

"Stephen is a truly great storyteller," Ward said, "and the stories of his experiences as one of America's most prolific character actors range from hilariously odd to surprisingly poignant. We're looking forward to adding Stephen's voice and 'The Tobolowsky Files' to PRI's portfolio of distinctive news, talk, culture and music programming."

Veteran public radio producer Margaret Moos Pick has been tapped to oversee the production of the four-part pilot of "The Tobolowsky Files," which will be available on-air, as well as on-demand at PRI.org.

WHO:

Stephen Tobolowsky, is one of the leading character actors in film today. USA Today listed Stephen as the ninth most frequently seen actor in movies. He has appeared over 200 movies and television shows. He is best known for playing Ned Ryerson in "Groundhog Day," Sammy Jankis in "Memento," Werner Brandes in "Sneakers," Happy Chapman in "Garfield," and Mr. Bates in "Freaky Friday." On television, he has played Tor Ekland on "Seinfeld," Hugo Jarry on "Deadwood," Bob Bishop on "Heroes," and is currently seen as Sandy Ryerson on "Glee," Stu Beggs on "Californication,"and has started work on "The Mindy Project," premiering this fall on Fox.

He wrote and performed "Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party" that premiered at the HBO Comedy Festival in Aspen. He wrote the movie "True Stories" with David Byrne and Beth Henley.

His first book of stories, "The Dangerous Animals Club,"is being published by Simon and Schuster in September 2012.

Fun Facts: He performed with Stevie Ray Vaughn when Stevie was 14 and cut the first songs Stevie every performed.

WHEN:

PRI will make "The Tobolowsky Files" available to public radio stations around the country, and on-demand at PRI.org, in October 2012.

About Public Radio International®For over 28 years, Americans have identified PRI as the source of news, information and cultural insights essential to understanding our interconnected world. On almost 900 radio stations across the U.S. and on digital platforms that reach millions around the globe, PRI continues to innovate in sharing powerful stories, connecting people and cultures around the globe, and helping people affect positive change in their lives and the world. Through partnerships with trusted news leaders like the BBC, the CBC, the New York Times and others, PRI brings new voices, global journalism and cultural perspectives to the American public. PRI produced and distributed radio shows include "As It Happens," "PRI's The World," "Q with Jian Ghomeshi," "Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen," "The Takeaway," "The Tavis Smiley Show," and "This American Life." Content from these shows is available on public radio stations, websites, mobile phones and tablet devices, and via podcasts and streaming. PRI helps people understand their place in the world and make informed decisions every day by enabling them to "hear a different voice™." More at pri.org.